OK, I must admit I have seen the musical about a dozen times in various incarnations, so my standards were pretty high for the movie. Overall, I thought it delivered to my expectations.
Pluses: 1. The cinematography, makeup and art direction are beautiful (although as some people have said, they could have expanded the CGI budget). You definitely get a sense of the grime and poverty they were fighting against.
2. Ann Hathaway--I think she will get an Oscar nomination. Totally believable in the Fantine role.
3. Samantha Barks (who was Eponine in the London production)--best singer in the whole cast. Made even "a Little fall of Rain" which I normally detest bearable.
Minuses: 1. The actors sing during the scene--it is not an overdub. It does make for some good transmission of emotion, but Les Miz has incredible songs, and sometimes the voices sounded a little thin and reedy.
2. Hugh Jackman--good actor, not a great singer. He ruined "Bring Him Home" in my opinion. Given Colm Wilkinson was there as the Bishop of Digne you could see what a great singer could have done with the songs.
3. Tom Hooper (Director) sure loves his close ups. Half the time I was marveling at the magnificent dental work of some of the actors vs listening to the music.
In other thoughts, I thought Russell Crowe had a serviceable voice. He definitely was hired more for his menace than his singing--but he managed to deliver a passable rendition of his big (and my favorite) song, "Stars" without butchering it too much. And the actor who played Enjolras was miscast--he is supposed to be this tall, commanding leader and I didn't think he quite made it.
Again, my expectations were high--if you haven't seen the musical, or any musical, this would be a great opportunity to see if they are for you.
Pluses: 1. The cinematography, makeup and art direction are beautiful (although as some people have said, they could have expanded the CGI budget). You definitely get a sense of the grime and poverty they were fighting against.
2. Ann Hathaway--I think she will get an Oscar nomination. Totally believable in the Fantine role.
3. Samantha Barks (who was Eponine in the London production)--best singer in the whole cast. Made even "a Little fall of Rain" which I normally detest bearable.
Minuses: 1. The actors sing during the scene--it is not an overdub. It does make for some good transmission of emotion, but Les Miz has incredible songs, and sometimes the voices sounded a little thin and reedy.
2. Hugh Jackman--good actor, not a great singer. He ruined "Bring Him Home" in my opinion. Given Colm Wilkinson was there as the Bishop of Digne you could see what a great singer could have done with the songs.
3. Tom Hooper (Director) sure loves his close ups. Half the time I was marveling at the magnificent dental work of some of the actors vs listening to the music.
In other thoughts, I thought Russell Crowe had a serviceable voice. He definitely was hired more for his menace than his singing--but he managed to deliver a passable rendition of his big (and my favorite) song, "Stars" without butchering it too much. And the actor who played Enjolras was miscast--he is supposed to be this tall, commanding leader and I didn't think he quite made it.
Again, my expectations were high--if you haven't seen the musical, or any musical, this would be a great opportunity to see if they are for you.
Tell Your Friends